NorthKorea

• 
  [FOCUS] Technological advancement accelerates inter-Korean missile race SEOUL -- In a show of fast technological advancement in strategic weapons that are certain to pose a clear threat to neighboring countries, the two Koreas, which are still technically at war across the world's last Cold War frontier, have revealed the test firing of new missile systems one after another at a time when a confrontation between their superpower allies, China and the United States, becomes conspicuous. Seoul broke its strategic silence with a rare release of video 2021-09-17
• 
  Seoul spy agency dismisses rumors over Kim's illness: Yonhap SEOUL -- South Korea's spy agency denied speculation about North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's illness and ensuing heart surgery Wednesday, adding that he is ruling the regime as usual. The National Intelligence Service (NIS) also said at a closed-door briefing to lawmakers that the North's leader has appeared in public 17 times so far this year, the fewest ever, due to his focus on domestic affairs and the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. "At least, it is judged 2020-05-06
• 
  No unusual signs about N.K. leader's health: Yonhap SEOUL -- South Korea has seen no unusual signs with regard to North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's heath, a government source said, after CNN reported that Kim is "in grave danger after a surgery." CNN cited an unidentified "U.S. official with direct knowledge," but offered no further details. A South Korean government source said there have been no relevant signs detected with regard to Kim's health conditions, emphasizing that Kim continued to be shown in 2020-04-21
• 
  N. Korean version of U.S. guided missile ATACMS is ready for field operation: expert SEOUL -- Experts believe the North Korean version of a surface-to-surface guided missile called MGM-140 Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) is combat-ready or soon to be deployed for field operation. North Korea claimed to have tested a "tactical guided" weapon on March 21. Pyongyang's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said the test "clearly proved the characters of different flight trajectories and falling angles" as well as the accuracy of guided 2020-03-26
• 
  N. Korea tests new multiple rocket launch system for combat deployment SEOUL -- In a firepower strike drill supervised by leader Kim Jong-un, North Korea apparently tested its "super-large" multiple-launch guided rocket system again in a week. Experts believe the new system with a maximum range of about 400 kilometers (248 miles) is probably ready for deployment at the battalion level. South Korea's military detected a volley of projectiles launched from a place in the eastern town of Sondok on Monday, with at least three flying around 20 2020-03-10
• 
  [Coronavirus] N. Korean leader expresses support for S. Korea's fight against coronavirus SEOUL -- In a personal letter to President Moon Jae-in, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un expressed his support for South Korea's campaign to contain a coronavirus epidemic, saying South Koreans would overcome it, according to Moon's office. The letter was delivered on Wednesday. Kim expressed regret over the situation and concern about Moon's health, conveying "unwavering friendship and trust" to the South Korean leader, the presidential office said. "I bel 2020-03-05
• 
  N. Korea's latest drill shows apparent technological progress in multiple launch rocket system SEOUL -- North Korea appeared to have achieved technological progress in its "super-large" multiple launch rocket system by reducing the time of continuous launch in a fire-power drill supervised by leader Kim Jong-un who has vowed to show off a new strategic weapon. A day after North Korea fired two projectiles into the sea off the east coast, North Korea's state media released pictures that showed the same vehicle used in previous launches. Two projectiles were fired 2020-03-03
• 
  [FOCUS] N. Korea delays demolition of facilities for suspended cross-border tour program SEOUL -- A global health scare caused by China's deadly virus epidemic sent North Korean going deeper into self-imposed isolation and raising a border barrier to disclude non-urgent physical contact with China and South Korea. Instead, Pyongyang activated a hotline to discuss pressing issues such as the fate of a suspended cross-border tour program. In a message faxed through an inter-Korean hotline which was hooked up between Seoul and Pyongyang on January 30, North Korea said 2020-01-31
• 
  Trump hints U.S. may use military force against N.K. if necessary: Yonhap WASHINGTON -- U.S. President Donald Trump hinted that the United States may use military force against North Korea if necessary, after Pyongyang warned that an end-of-year deadline for the two countries' denuclearization negotiations is drawing near. Trump revived the threat of military action as negotiations between Washington and Pyongyang have stalled over how to match the North's denuclearization steps with U.S. concessions. But the U.S. president also emphasized his clo 2019-12-04
• 
  N. Korea wants 'Christmas gift' instead of U.S. dialogue rhetoric SEOUL -- North Korea urged the United States to select a "Christmas gift" instead of dialogue rhetoric, warning that the year-end deadline for denuclearization talks comes near. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has threatened to take a different path unless Washington comes up with a "fair" and "mutually acceptable" deal by the end of this year. Ri Thae-song, a vice foreign minister in charge of U.S. affairs, said in a statement published by the North 2019-12-03